Turkey a la King

Turkey a la king is our favorite riff on chicken a la king, a retro recipe that has endured for decades. Although its specific point of origin is lost to time, we know that chicken a la king was created in the late 19th century and was once a popular dish at posh hotel restaurants throughout North America. Its appeal endured, but never more than following the Thanksgiving holiday.

This turkey a la king recipe is our favorite way to transform leftover holiday turkey into a warm, saucy, comforting meal. Cubed turkey is folded into an easy pan gravy made with vegetables and half-and-half cream. It’s savory, saucy and oh-so-appealing when spooned on top of toast.

Ingredients for Turkey a la King

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

• Cooked turkey: Bite-size pieces of cooked turkey are the key ingredient in turkey a la king. They contribute protein and meatiness to the dish. It’s a great way to use leftover roast turkey or roasted turkey breast. Of course, you can always swap in slow-cooker rotisserie chicken or store-bought chicken for a more traditional take.
• Onion, celery and green pepper: This trio of vegetables is also known as the holy trinity in Cajun cuisine. It acts as the foundation of savory flavor in this recipe for turkey a la king.
• Roux: A mixture of equal parts butter and flour (aka roux) thickens the sauce into a creamy gravy.
• Sugar: A spoonful of sugar isn’t enough to really sweeten the dish. Instead, it works to balance the savory flavors of the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Simmered with the roux, chicken broth thickens into a velvety chicken gravy. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
• Half-and-half cream: Half-and-half cream adds body and creamy richness to the gravy.
• Canned mushrooms: Drained of its juice, a can of mushrooms adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the sauce. Feel free to substitute sauteed mushrooms made with button or cremini mushrooms.
• Bread: Toasted slices of white bread soak up the gravy and turn this turkey a la king recipe into something of an open-faced sandwich

Directions 

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

In a large skillet, saute the onion, celery and green pepper in butter until tender.

Step 2: Make the gravy

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Stir in the flour and sugar until a paste forms. Gradually stir in the broth. Bring the liquid to a boil. Continue to boil until the sauce thickens slightly, about one minute.

Step 3: Finish the gravy

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Reduce the heat. Add the cream, turkey and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Serve the mixture with toast.

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Turkey a la King Variations 

• Trade out the toast: Replace the toasted bread with fluffy biscuits, savory parmesan scones or even a couple of slices of garlic bread. You can also serve this turkey a la king recipe over a bed of cooked rice, egg noodles or pasta.
• Boost the veggies: Increase vegetable content by adding chopped carrots, peas or corn.
• Experiment with different mushrooms: For added flavor and texture, try using a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini or oyster mushrooms.

How to Store Turkey a la King

All the turkey a la king to cool slightly. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the toast in a separate container to keep it from getting soggy.

Can you freeze turkey a la king?

We don’t recommend freezing turkey a la king. Sauces made with dairy can separate in the freezer and gain an unpleasant grainy texture when thawed.

Turkey a la King Tips

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

What goes well with turkey a la king? 

Turkey or chicken a la king is a complete meal containing protein, vegetables and starch, so it doesn’t need to be served with a side dish. That said, it is somewhat rich, so bright winter salads or simple roasted vegetable side dishes like roasted carrots and onions might be a nice match.

Can you make turkey a la king with red peppers instead of green peppers?

You can use any type of bell pepper to make this turkey a la king recipe, so feel free to substitute red peppers for green peppers. It will change the profile of the dish, giving the gravy an orange hue and adding a sweeter flavor.

Where did turkey a la king get its name?

There are a few competing legends about how this retro dish got its moniker. Depending on who you ask, you may get a different story. One of the more popular origin stories is that William King created the dish in the 1890s when he was a cook at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. Another possible origin story is that the dish was invented in New York Delmonico’s Restaurant.